LAX Modernization Plan Foes Seeking Delay in Court Action

A day after the city of Los Angeles filed papers defending the environmental analysis of its LAX modernization plan, opponents have asked to delay court proceedings by a couple of months. “The best thing that could happen if the parties wish to reach a negotiated settlement is for the parties to agree to stay the litigation for 60 days to allow breathing room,” El Segundo Mayor Kelly McDowell said. “Otherwise both sides will be overwhelmed by the court calendars.”

Los Angeles County, El Segundo, Inglewood and Culver City filed suit in January, alleging the review violated the California Environmental Quality Act by failing to analyze or lessen effects on noise, traffic and air quality, and ignoring concerns that the airport’s growth would not be limited.

The nearly 400-page document filed Thursday in Riverside Superior Court outlined the city’s position that the analysis was done accurately, according to CEQA.

An initial hearing was scheduled for Oct. 14.

Pending agreement by the city of Los Angeles, the date would be pushed off for 60 days.